Virtual Dress Up: September Showers

While it's still way too warm for almost any of the pieces below, I think this cozy outfit would be perfect for a deliciously cool Saturday later this month (I can always dream, right?). It's perfect for a trip to the market, brunch with friends, and window shopping (and people watching) around town.

september showers by hillarywb featuring a double breasted trench coat

H M long top, £15
Double breasted trench coat, $198
Citizens of Humanity straight jeans, $160
Hunter rubber rain boots, $125
Deena Ozzy oversized bag, $68
Metal necklace, $48
Clear Bubble Umbrella, $18

Currently Coveting: Boyfriend Blazer

I stopped into Kohl's while running errands this weekend and haven't been able to get this blazer out of my mind.

lc lauren conrad ruched open-front boyfriend blazer

The short, ruched sleeves and the pale pink color are pretty fabulous. I think it would be perfect now to throw over my shoulders in air conditioned settings, and then well into the fall and winter as a great layering piece. However, even marked down on sale I haven't been able to justify the price tag quite yet.

From the Farmers' Market

Just as Irene was paying a visit to North Carolina, I headed out on my Saturday morning routine of taking an early morning yoga class and then paying a visit to the farmers' market.

I love the feeling of being up before most of the town, especially on such a rainy and dreary day. Yoga was fabulous as usual and I arrived at the market between big wind gusts and sporadic downpours.

It was definitely less crowded than usual, with both less vendors and customers, which made for a slightly more abbreviated visit.

However, I had enough time to snap this photo while there:

burgundy okra, spotted at two different stands {sadly it didn't make it into my basket}

Here are the goods that made it home:

tomatoes, an heirloom Italian eggplant, leek, red onion, banana chocolate chip bread, zucchini, and sweet potatoes

an up-close shot of the pretty little eggplant

With so much from last week's market, coupled with the goods from our weekly farm box, I tried really hard to not overdo it this weekend. So far these are turning out to be the perfect compliments to our meals this week!

What did you find at the market this week?

Music Monday: Earth, Wind, & Fire

Happy Monday! I hope y'all survived Irene and are in one piece. It was really windy here, but things were relatively calm otherwise and we used the opportunity to get lots done around the house before heading out on a tubing adventure with friends yesterday.

My family is also holding up well in CT, though Mama W and some other relatives are still without power. Fingers crossed that it's back on soon. I'm also sending lots of good thoughts to Vermont, which got slammed by Irene and is dealing with some serious flooding.

On a happier note, since September will be arriving this Thursday (seriously, when did that happen?!), I haven't been able to get this song out of my head and decided to share. Enjoy!

Bonne Weekend!

Source: midgetthouse.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Happy Friday, y'all. I'm so excited that the weekend is here, even though Irene is looking like she could make things quite a bit crazier than usual for most of the East Coast. I'm keeping everyone in her path in my thoughts, but especially eastern North Carolina, as well as my home state of Connecticut (and the rest of the tri-state area).

We're hoping to head farther west in NC to partake in some fun outdoor activities, but we'll see what these storms have in store for us. Either way, I'm planning to start tomorrow off with some early-morning yoga followed by my usual trip to the farmers' market. That coupled with lots of quality time with Kate and I'll be good to go regardless of whatever else the weekend holds!

Let's all meet back here in one piece on Monday, k?

Gallery Inspiration

Earlier last year, I created a pretty great gallery wall going up our staircase. It was the perfect mix of photos of friends and family, as well as a few fun vintage ones of my dad and grandmother. However, our former roommate took everything down when he was moving (which I appreciated, since, you know, I value not having picture frames knocked down by a gigantic bed frame:) and I attempted to hastily put them back up the next day.

Sadly, it hasn't looked the same since. I wasn't very smart before taking things down and had zero labeling system. That led to there being a weird surplus of nails in the wall and awkwardly-spaced frames. Since I've been somewhat embarrassed of the state of our wall, I've decided a bit of inspiration was in order!

Source: designismine.blogspot.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Gallery-style shelves- perfect for easily switching things up. Sadly, these aren't so practical in a stairway.

Source: marthastewart.com via Hillary on Pinterest

I love that these are arranged along a horizontal line. A diagonal up the stairs would be neat as well. Too bad I've never been that great with a level...

Source: idea4home.com via Hillary on Pinterest

While I'm at it, why not create an entire gallery hallway? Sure, it might be a little bit intense, but I do love the bold statement.

Source: younghouselove.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Cute little gallery fashioned from an awkward little piece of wall. Me gusta.

Source: google.com via Hillary on Pinterest

This would be fun if we had several generations of family photos. Sadly, we do not. However, the spacing here is also great. Looks like it's time to invest in some more picture frames...

Source: fieldstonehilldesign.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Shockingly, I love the use of a gallery wall as a place to display actual pieces of art. I'm such a traditionalist sometimes. Plus, those hot pink chairs make this image hard to hate. Perhaps it's time to incorporate some artwork into our wall, too. Decisions, decisions...

What about y'all? Do you like gallery walls or think they've become a bit too played-out?

Virtual Dress Up: Business Casual

I absolutely love the contrasts in this outfit: subtle olive green with a bright pop of fuchsia, dress pants and heels topped off with a chambray button-up, nerd glasses with bold, golden-hued jewelry. This outfit is fun and interesting while still being completely appropriate for a more casual work environment.

office eclectic by hillarywb featuring glass shades

J Crew stripe t shirt, $45
J Crew denim top, $118
Old Navy cropped capri pants, $20
BDG low heel pumps, $49
Contributor by Rachel Comey tote hand bag, $59
Metal jewelry, $48
Urban Renewal Vintage gold jewelry, $29
J Crew glass shades, $375
J Crew d ring belt, $35

From the Farmers' Market

So, last week I did something terrible, which was to not pick up our CSA box. Usually Kate is the one who gets it for us from the Wednesday market, but she was away and I had to stay in Raleigh later than usual. Whoops! Totally poor scheduling on my part (though I did get to meet with a nutritionist and then hang out with a wonderfully sweet friend, so I think it was more than worth it). Fortunately they donate whatever isn't picked up to an organization that gives it to folks in need, which is a pretty great solution.

However, to make up for the lack of fresh fruits and veggies in our house (and to prepare for several friends staying with us Saturday night), I may have gone a bit overboard.

Here's the damage:

bucket of flowers, seven (!) heads of lettuce, blueberries, cucumber, sungold tomatoes, bell peppers, peaches, + radishes

The total cost? Every. last. cent. in my wallet (which was just over $36). Yikes! Clearly I need to make some gigantic salads stat to put all of this great produce to good use.

My favorite purchase was, hands down, the flowers. 

They weren't arranged, so I had fun splitting them up into different vases- just enough for the living/dining room, the guest room, and one for my dresser, too!

They've been such a fun and cheerful addition to the house, and for only $10 they were a much better bang for my buck than the pre-made bouquets at any supermarket!

What about y'all- any fun finds at the market this week?

Virtual Dress Up: A Case of the Mondays

Well, now, I don't really have a case of the Mondays currently, but if I did, this is definitely what I'd like to wear. It looks chic and pulled together but also pretty darn comfortable. Win-win.

monday, monday, monday by hillarywb featuring j crew watches

J Crew shift dress, $188
J Crew cashmere cardigan, $225
J Crew round toe pumps, $198
J Crew leather shoulder bag, $325
J Crew chain necklace, $85
J crew watch, $19

Music Monday: Spoon

What can I say, I love a good horn section?



Happy Monday!

Virtual Dress Up: Sunday Brunch

It's really not an exaggeration to say that I am ob.sessed. with this dress. Need further proof of its awesomeness? Click through to their website to see the back. It's gorgeous.

Anyway, with several friends having recently moved back into the area, I'm dreaming of a fall filled with fun weekend brunches with them, catching up on our lives and work weeks. I think this would be perfect for early fall, when it's cool enough to wear tights, but warm enough to not need a jacket. Clearly my desire to live in the present when it came to weather was short-lived...

sunday brunch by hillarywb featuring print dresses

Print dress, $168
We Love Colors tight, $15
J Crew knee high leather boots, $348
Leather satchel handbag, $278
Hammered jewelry, $38

Things that make me smile

Things have been a bit crazier this week than I'd prefer, so I've pulled together a few things that help put me right back on into a happier mindset, even if it's only for a few minutes!

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Hillary on Pinterest

pretty pink peonies

Source: annies-eats.net via Hillary on Pinterest

black bean burritos {or to be perfectly honest, almost any other mexican food}

Source: todayifoundout.com via Hillary on Pinterest

autumn in new england {where we'll be honeymooning!}

Source: begbicycles.com via Hillary on Pinterest

pretty pink bicycles

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Hillary on Pinterest

iced coffee {i'm officially addicted}

and last, though certainly not least, miss kate! she's pretty fantastic :)

What about y'all? What's helping keep your spirits up this week?

Virtual Dress Up: Still Summer

In an effort to style an outfit that I could actually wear, say, tomorrow, I came up with this gem. I love the loose, relaxed fit of the shirt and the capris, paired with a bright bag and more traditional necklace and wedges. It would be perfect for a day at the office, with braided hair (mine is finally long enough again!) and a cardigan tossed into the purse for when the a/c kicks in.

dog days of summer by hillarywb featuring j crew jewelry

Face shirt, $98
Old navy, $33
Gap shoes, $39
J crew jewelry, $98
MATT & NAT Large JORJA Purse in Orange, $175

Pink, Pink, Pink

Alternate title for this post? Another series of interiors a certain fiancee of mine wouldn't appreciate.

But seriously, how pretty are these spaces? I love the bright, cheerful colors and, clearly, pops of pink.

Source: None via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: sfgirlbybay.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: elementsofstyleblog.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: myadventureisyouradvantage.com via Hillary on Pinterest

A house with all of this isn't too much to ask, right?

Sha-Ka-No-HEY!

Dollywood was fantastic and much more fun than I would have imagined. I had a seriously fantastic time and it was so nice to get out of town and spend time with fun friends. Kate was gone for the weekend, so it was the perfect excuse to spend quality time with friends.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend, gussied up with Instagram:

ready to go!

four of five friends, pre-dollywood

stroller parade at the dollywood express, the coal-powered train that takes you on a scenic tour of the park

a show involving the history of the smoky mountains (?); this was sadly nixed from our itinerary in favor of more water rides at the last minute

at the christmas shop near our hotel. awesome.

 clearly a bit excited about an early-morning piggy back ride

the best pankcakes i've ever had. seriously. sweet potato with cinnamon cream syrup. however, it's not recommended to order non-pancake items. #nowyouknow

Not pictured? The breakfast buffet at Aunty Granny's restaurant (which it turns out isn't named such because this woman was both someone's aunt and grandmother). The awesome tours of the Chasing Rainbows museum and Dolly's old tour bus (seriously- I'm such a history nerd). The very sooty train ride through the park. The indoor roller coaster that included touring a town on fire and several mine shafts. The above-ground roller coaster with multiple loops (a major feat for me, former hater of roller coasters!). The most terrifying ferris wheel ride of our lives (pretty sure they aren't supposed to move side to side...). The extra full lap of the park one friend and I took in search of vegetarian food options that weren't fried (hey, hey cheese pizza!). All of the walking we did in general. The multiple water rides, including a death-defying log flume ride where our group made it under the weight limit by one. pound. At least it was after we ate (and ate. and ate.). Post-Dollywood dinner at the Apple Barn, where apple fritters with apple butter and cobbler or pie are included with your meal (I got the veggie plate, wherein two of my "veggies" were mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. The others were fried okra and coleslaw. #totallyfine). Sleeping for 11+ hours Saturday night because of all the food consumed. Five friends packed into one hotel room for two nights (I brought a nice little air mattress). Car ride meal stops in the scenic Hickory, NC. And, perhaps most importantly, the addition of the term "might could" to my vocabulary (i.e.: "Yes, I might could have another helping of kettle corn."). Oh, and in case I hadn't mentioned it already, getting to spend time with awesome friends. And that's Dollywood in a nutshell.

I hope you all had an equally exciting weekend! 

Music Monday: Regina Spektor

Happy Monday! We all made it back from Dollywood in one piece (though with several more pounds gained from all of the food consumed).

I'll have a recap up a bit later, but in the meantime, I bring you Regina Spektor + adorable kiddos. What's not to love?

Hooray for Dollywood!

Today I'll be heading out a little early to drive with some friends out to scenic Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to visit Dollywood! I've never been before and am not sure what to expect, despite internet research and reviews from several friends. However, I'm super excited to spend time with friends, visit Tennessee for the first time, and check out Dollywood first-hand.

Here's (a basic outline) of what I've got packed:

hooray for dollywood! by hillarywb featuring a canvas weekender bag

I've been loving my straw fedora (I picked up a similar one at Old Navy) this summer (1). It's a great way to tame unruly hair and also keep my face shaded from the sun. Clearly, I've also brought some fun sunglasses along (2), since I love them and because I'm pretty sure Dolly would approve.

For tomorrow, when we're hitting up Dollywood proper, my key goals are to be comfortable and stay cool. That's were the jean shorts (14), tank top (16), t-shirt (15), and sandals with a heel strap (12) come in. Though people have mixed opinions about jean shorts (jorts, as I prefer to call them), my opinion is that as long as they're on the longer side, it's totally fine for casual situations. These sandals are similar to a pair I picked up for a song at one of Gap's sales. They're great for any rides we might go on, since they'll stay put (walking around Dollywood with one missing shoe would definitely not be cute). Throw in a cute cross-body bag (13) and I'm good to go!

The dress and button-up (worn tied at the waist; 4 + 5) and the striped tee and skirt (7 + 8) are for tomorrow night and Sunday. They're a bit dressier, but still relaxed and casual, especially with fun accessories and a lightweight jacket (for places with blasting a/c).

My bag (oh, how I wish it looked anything remotely like no. 3!) is rounded out by a bathing suit (11), because, well, you should never travel without one, as well as some exercise gear (to hopefully work off some of the down-home cooking we'll be experiencing) and an umbrella for impromptu rain showers!


1. Mossimo straw fedora: Target
2. H&M sunglasses, £1.99
3. H&M canvas weekender bag, £30
4. Target black scoop neck dress, $20
5. Old Navy printed roll-up camp shirt, $25
6. Urban Outfitters smooth stone pendant necklace, $34
7. Old Navy women's floral skirt, $32.94
8. Mossimo striped tee: Target, $8
9. Anthropologie interrupted hoops, $38
10. Old Navy women's lightweight surplus jacket, $30
11. Mossimo® Women's Mix & Match Tankini Swim Top - Slate: Target, $20
12. Old Navy metallic shoes, $20
13. H&M embossed handbag, £9.99
14. Old Navy distressed shorts, $26
15. Old Navy scoop neck top, $9.97
16. Old Navy women's lace-trim henley cami, $10

Neons

color blocking by hillarywb featuring link jewelry

J Crew boat neck top, $40
J Crew knee length pencil skirt, $120
J Crew mid heel boots, $348
J Crew vintage tote, $258
J Crew link jewelry, $40
J Crew leather d ring belt, $35

It's no secret that I love bright colors. I usually try to temper them with more neutral basics, but I am loving the color block trend. This top and skirt from J. Crew are fantastic, and I (still) love the idea of pairing them with more neutral accessories, albeit this time with a fun, bright necklace.

What do you think? Too bright or just the perfect amount of fun?

Virtual Dress Up: Back to School

I recently came across the amazingness that is Quiksilver's new fall collection, and it almost made me wish I was headed back to school this fall. Not that you could pay me enough to head back to grad school any time in the near future, but gosh, these clothes are really pretty and fun, aren't they? Perhaps I'll just have to rock collegiate chic at work? Decisions, decisions...

Back to School 2011 by hillaryw featuring slim fit jeans

Quiksilver striped cardigan, $55
Quiksilver loose shirt, $78
Quiksilver cotton blazer, $75
Quiksilver slim fit jeans, $70
Quiksilver backpack, $75
Cozy Beanie, $30

(And yes, I do realize that I realistically wouldn't be able to wear the items above in an outfit together until November at the absolute earliest, but that's the beauty of fake wardrobes, right?)

From the Farmers' Market

Though it's been awhile since one of these posts, we have definitely been continuing to get plenty of delicious, locally-grown food from the farmer's market and our CSA.

This Saturday I went to the market to pick up peaches, and ended up sort of falling down a rabbit hole. Here's the loot:

From top left: butternut squash, peaches, eggplant, chocolate chip banana bread, red onion

It was raining, dreary, and a bit cool when I went to the market, so I figured it would be the perfect day to convince Kate to whip up some butternut squash soup (I've somehow decided that soup tastes way better when she makes it. This may or may not have to do with the fact that I really hate washing and using the food processer). However, the rain quickly subsided and was replaced by oppressively hot, humid, and sunny weather. C'est la vie. Now I'm thinking we'll just make some anyway at some point this week and freeze it for whenever cooler temps return! We did this last weekend with our surplus of tomatoes and it makes me even more excited for fall.

I try to steer clear of baked goods at the market, but this chocolate chip banana bread is seriously so. good. that I give into temptation every once in awhile. It made for the perfect weekend breakfast that was just a little bit indulgent, topped off with crunchy peanut and sunflower butter on respective days to add a bit of protein and to temper the sweetness. I'm definitely wishing I'd picked up a second one for the week, but my usual smoothies and toaster waffles are an adequate (and healthier) replacement!

What about you? Any finds from the market this week? I'm already a little too excited to see what our CSA farm box will hold tomorrow!

Clean + Bright

Lately I've been loving bright, white spaces with wood and neutral accents that look clean but also cozy.

Kate has always been drawn to darker, nature-inspired hues, which is how much of our current home is decorated (since she lived here before we got together). While I'm not sure she'd be a big fan of these, I can keep on dreaming for an airy look at some point in the future.

Here are some of my current favorites:

Source: designsponge.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: designsponge.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: aviewondesign.blogspot.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: desiretoinspire.net via Hillary on Pinterest

What do you think? Too neutral or right up your alley?

Music Monday: Yeah Yeah Yeahs

For everyone fired up and ready to take on the week, a fantastically bizarre video for an awesome song. Enjoy!

I Like Sales, Part 2

Another site I've been scouring recently obsessively is Old Navy. I'm loving that they have so many basics for cheapsies right now, as evidenced below. Tanks, tees, and basic pants galore. Me gusta.

Old Navy 2011 End of Summer Sale Picks by hillaryw featuring old navy t shirts